95 “strong” Saudis under custody, may face trial also

Riyadh: According to the Saudi media reports,95 people are still being held by authorities in a purported anti-corruption campaign that was launched nearly three months ago by the kingdom’s influential crown prince. A Saudi infographic shared on social media says that detainees who have not agreed on financial settlements to close their case will soon be referred to the Public Prosecution for trial.

Billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is reportedly among those still being held since early November when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the stunning arrests of top princes, businessmen and officials. State-linked Sabq news website on Wednesday quoted Attorney General Saud al-Mojeb saying 90 detainees have been released after agreeing to settlements involving cash, real estate and other assets.

The cash settlements will help to finance a 50 billion riyal package to help citizens cope with the rising cost of living, Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said Wednesday. The package was announced by King Salman early this month, said Jadaan, speaking to Al Arabiya television at the World Economic forum in Davos. He said the package would also be financed by money from the state budget.